Leaning Chimneys

Linoleum cut, 1939, edition unknown. 9 x 10 7/8 in. Signed, dated and titled in pencil. This is a fine, rich impression of this rare early work. The margins are full and the condition is fine. In the early 1930s, Smith met the founders of the Karamu School in Cleveland and he became actively involved studying painting and printmaking. Originally known as the Playhouse Settlement, Karamu stressed excellence and Smith ultimately taught there until 1940. He showed his work at the Cleveland Artists Exhibitions at the Cleveland Museum of Art. He was one of the Karamu Artists, Incorporated which also included Hughie Lee-Smith and Charles Sallee. After World War II he studied at the Cleveland School of Art and in 1950 he moved to Los Angeles. This is a fine example of his work in linoleum cuts, for which he is best known.